Mark Scott Homes specializes in high-quality, custom-built homes designed for discerning homeowners who value craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a seamless building experience. We set ourselves apart by prioritizing quality materials, expert craftsmanship, transparent communication, and strong client relationships. Our team is known for tackling complex projects, including luxury lake homes, vacation retreats, and detailed renovations, making us the premier custom home builder in Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana.

Our building area consists of Berrien & the Western portion of Cass County in Michigan and Northern St. Joseph County, and Laporte Counties in Indiana. Cities include New Buffalo, Grand Beach, Union Pier, Lakeside, Harbert, Sawyer, Bridgeman, Stevensville and St. Joseph in Michigan. South Bend, Mishawaka, Granger, New Carlisle, Laporte, Michigan City and Long Beach Indiana. If you’re unsure whether we serve your area, feel free to reach out to discuss your project.

We specialize in luxury custom homes, vacation homes, and lakefront properties, as well as high-end renovations and additions. Every home we build is tailored to our client’s unique lifestyle, preferences, and vision.

Yes, but we take on a limited number of renovation projects each year and are highly selective in the projects we accept. Our focus is on high-end renovations and complex remodels where our expertise in craftsmanship and attention to detail can make a significant impact. If you’re considering a major renovation, such as a whole-home remodel, luxury kitchen or bathroom transformation, or a lakefront home update, we’d love to discuss your project to see if it’s the right fit. Contact us to learn more.

Yes! We offer three levels of interior design services to meet your needs:

• Signature Interior Design – Full-service interior design with a professional who handles everything.

• Guided Interior Design – Hire a designer as needed for specific areas.

• Self-Styled Interior Design – Take a DIY approach with our expert guidance.

Learn more about our interior design services.

Our custom home-building process includes:

1. Initial Consultation – Discuss your vision, budget, and timeline.

2. Design & Planning – Work with our team (or your architect) to design your home.

3. Selections & Customization – Choose materials, finishes, and features.

4. Construction – We build your home with expert craftsmanship and clear communication.

5. Final Walkthrough & Move-In – We ensure everything meets our high standards.

The timeline for building a custom home can vary depending on the size and style of home, the property characteristics and jurisdiction. Design and permitting can take 6-9 months to complete. The average build time ranges from 10-18 months. Once we learn more about your custom home vision, we will tailor a timeline specific to your project.

Yes! If you’re still looking for the perfect lot, we can provide guidance on selecting the best location, evaluating site conditions, and maximizing views for lakefront homes or vacation properties.

We understand that ideas evolve, and we strive to accommodate reasonable changes. However, modifications may impact the timeline and budget, so we discuss all adjustments in detail before proceeding.

Several key factors influence the final cost of a home:

Location: each jurisdiction has its own requirements.

Style: the style and level of details play into overall costs.

Size: the square footage of your homes plays a vital role in overall costs.

Finishes: Interior selections and the amount of detail in your finishes contribute to overall costs.

Site Conditions: topography, utility connections and accessibility impact overall cost.

Current custom home projects start at $375 + per square foot. The cost-effectiveness of your home largely hinges on its architectural design and preferred finishes. Opting for a two-story stacked layout with simpler finishes typically offers the best value.

While traditional fixed-price projects set one total price regardless of actual costs, our approach combines the benefits of a cost plus agreement with the predictability of fixed fees. Here’s how it works:

• Cost Plus Foundation: We operate on a cost plus basis, meaning that our work is based on the actual costs incurred during your project.

• Fixed Fees for You: Despite this structure, our fees are fixed from the start. You’ll know our fee upfront, just as you would with a fixed-price project.

• Full Budget Transparency: We’ll develop a comprehensive budget for your project and manage the process as if it were a fixed-fee engagement.

• Advance Bidding & Communication: We provide detailed estimates for each component of your project in advance. If any items are expected to exceed the budget, we’ll discuss them with you before proceeding, ensuring you’re always in control of your expenses.

This hybrid approach gives you the best of both worlds—transparent, predictable pricing with the flexibility and accuracy of cost plus project management.

We help homeowners stay on budget by providing:

• Open-book pricing and financial transparency – You have full access to all quotes and invoices, so you always know where your money is going.

• A detailed selections process with clear allowances – We guide you through your options upfront to help you make informed decisions within your budget.

• Regular budget updates and ongoing communication – We provide cost updates throughout the build, so there are no surprises.

• Guidance on cost-saving alternatives – If needed, we can offer recommendations on materials or design adjustments to help keep costs aligned with your goals.

Our goal is to ensure financial clarity and control throughout the entire process so you feel confident in every investment you make in your home.

You can be as involved as you’d like! Whether you prefer to hand off decisions to our team or be fully immersed in every detail, we tailor the experience to match your preferences.

Yes, we work with top-tier suppliers and showrooms for flooring, cabinetry, countertops, and more. Our team will guide you through the selection process to ensure a cohesive design that matches your vision.

We’re happy to collaborate with your chosen interior designer to create a home that reflects your style.

You will receive daily updates on your home’s progress. Through our project management system, you’ll get a daily log detailing what took place on-site, including progress notes and photos. In addition, your project manager will provide weekly updates, ensuring you stay informed about the overall timeline, upcoming milestones, and any important decisions that need to be made. Our commitment to clear and consistent communication means you’ll always know exactly where your project stands.

Your assigned project manager will be your primary point of contact throughout the construction process, ensuring everything stays on track and addressing any questions you may have. In addition, you’ll have a selections coordinator to guide you through design choices and material selections. Our leadership team is also available and actively involved in projects—we prioritize open communication and believe in working closely with our homeowners to create the best possible experience. You’ll always have direct access to the right people to keep your project running smoothly.

Yes! We provide a comprehensive home warranty to protect your investment. Our warranty includes:

• 2 years on labor and materials to cover craftsmanship and finishing details.

• 10 years on structural components to ensure long-term durability and peace of mind.

We stand behind our work and are committed to building homes that last. Before move-in, we’ll walk you through your warranty coverage and provide guidance on maintaining your home for years to come.

Every home requires regular maintenance, such as HVAC servicing, exterior upkeep, and seasonal checks. We provide a homeowner care guide with maintenance recommendations to keep your home in top condition.

If you encounter any concerns, reach out to our service team, and we’ll address them promptly under our warranty policy.

The first step is to schedule a consultation with our team to discuss your goals, budget, and timeline. Contact us today to get started!

Yes! We offer free initial consultations to discuss your vision and answer your questions.

Not necessarily. We can work with your architect or connect you with our design partners to create a custom home plan that suits your needs.